Vermont Governor Douglas Statement Regarding Obama Decision To Adopt California Standards For Automobile Tailpipe Emissions

May 18, 2009 -- “I applaud the Obama Administration’s clear-eyed decision to establish greenhouse gas standards for cars and light trucks based on California’s strict tailpipe emissions standards.

“As the first state to adopt California’s greenhouse gas emissions standards and to successfully defend them against legal challenges by the automobile industry in federal court, Vermont helped to pave the way for this decision.

“The science and economics of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles are irrefutable. Vermonters are proud that we have the smallest carbon footprint per capita in the United States. Yet, almost half of our carbon footprint comes from transportation. This decision is a significant win for the environment and for Vermonters’ pocketbooks.

“Although the details of this deal have not yet been officially announced, it is expected that the automobile industry will drop all the litigation challenging California’s greenhouse gas emissions standards, including the lawsuit filed in Vermont.”

Source: Vermont Governor